Sometimes friendships have to be put aside

I would think by now you’d realize I’m not the biggest Kevin Garnett fan in the world, I have admired his willingness to play hard every night but his whole howling, trash-talking, self-motivating over-exuberance has worn a little thin over the years.

Strikes me he’s more of a wannabe bully these days and I’m not sure it carries very much weight with other players now; they see it as the trickery that it is.

That said …

I loved the way he snubbed Ray Allen last night during the Celtics-Heat game.

I am a fan of Allen, love his game, love the way he handles himself, he’s always been a pro and a gifted player.

But this whole hugging and saying high and being friends and lovers during games and before games kind of irks me.

It’s certainly not just Allen, it’s endemic in all sports and doesn’t it fly in the face of the whole reason they play them? For good, hard, legitimate competition?

I understand entirely that a lot of these athletes are close friends, they’ve grown up together, probably been teammates before and there truly is some kind of kinship among them.

But leave it for after the game. Or the summer. Or the off-days. Sure, maybe a handshake of good luck before a game isn’t too bad but there seems to be almost too much familiarity and maybe it makes someone wonder about the legitimacy of the actual competition.

I know that some – and probably all – players can put aside personal feelings once a game starts but I kind of liked it better when opponents were opponents before, during and after games.

That’s the healthiness of competition; all this love-in crap before the game gets to me.

I’m glad Garnett ignored Allen’s friend entreaty while the game was going on, hope it becomes the norm. It won’t but we can hope.

-

Know what I’m not?

Big on Halloween.

Really, I can’t remember the last time I had a costume on and I don’t quite get it. But Happy Halloween, everyone. Guess the thing I’ve missed the last few years is Super Son’s cache of candy that I could “borrow” from over the course of the few days following Halloween.

But you had to guess this might be coming, right?

-

Let’s nip this in the bud right now.

Please do not expect Andrea Bargnani to become a good rebounder; his coach doesn’t and this kind of echoes what we’ve been saying here in rebuttle to the slags we read weekly.

“One thing I’ve come to understand, and we did the same thing with Dirk, he’s never going to be a great rebounder so to turn him into a rebounder is like turning Reggie Evans into a three-point shooter. It’s not going to happen.

“But the one thing he has to do is box his man out. Not let his guy get the ball so that’s the deal we have, that’s the rebounding he has to give us.”

Sound fair? If that’s Dwane’s standard I think fans should be comfortable with it, too.

-

Mail? Sure, why not get it started.

Not sure what we’ll do this year, with so many Friday night games calling out for some sort of discussion, maybe we’ll only do one mailbag a weekend?

I don’t know, let’s see how it goes.

But for now …

Click. Write. Send.

-

Oh yeah, chat time at noon for an hour, okay?

It’ll be post-shootaround, I’ll likely be lounging in the media room at the arena so stop by and say hello.

-

I’m not entirely sure what to think about this Ricky Romero news yesterday that he had minor elbow surgery to clean some stuff up a couple of weeks ago after experiencing some discomfort – that’s the best way to put it, not pure pain – for most of last season.

Yes, I can see that he took one for the team on all those days, pitched when he was sore (and there’s a huge difference between sore and injured) and for that he should be commended.

I love an athlete who doesn’t make excuses (check out Romero’s quote that ends with “I stunk and that’s it” in Brendan’s piece here) and Romero going back out there day after day when he knew something was off was commendable.

I suppose some might think he should have let someone know at some point early in the process so he could maybe get it taken care of and finish the season better but, all in all, I guess I’d rather have a guy willing to work through some things in silence in order to try to help his team.

Besides, if they decided to shut him down at some point last season, it would have been just another blow to the psyche of the team and its fans.

-

I haven’t been in New York, I have only spoken to a few friends there electronically in the aftermath of Sandy but from the pictures I’ve seen and the stories I’ve read, I’m not entirely sure I can get behind the NBA’s decision to go ahead with Thursday’s Knicks-Nets game at Brooklyn’s new Barclay’s Center.

Sure, I get that it’s a big event, there are TV and future scheduling concerns to think about but, really, doesn’t it strike you that the city seems still under siege and putting off a somewhat meaningless sports event might be the right thing to do?

But part of me hopes it works because we’ve got to be there Saturday and it’s already going to be New York City Marathon weekend and it’ll be a circus. If they get through Thursday, Saturday should be okay but I question the wisdom of going ahead with the first game.

-

Hey, do me a favour? Anything “extra” you want to see in either IGBT (and we’ll be here for sure tonight) or in the post-game regular fare here?

Let me know; if there’s stuff we can do, we’ll do it.

Now I’ve just been informed I have to gut a pumpkin before Super Family carves it and there’s a shirt to be ironed, a shootaround to go to, a chat and a game.

Busy day and I love it; about time we really got into the rhythm of a season, isn’t it?

-

 

 

Comments

[Peter]

If Dwayne was you, Reggie would hit three contested 3's next time he plays. :)

[DannyFromFreddy]

Doug, I don't know if you saw any of the Lakers game last night but after watching it, I think Mke Brown should be the first coach fired this season. I know it's just the first regular season game but how could you take all of that talent and give it such a plodding offensive sceam that makes them look so ...... offensive (and not in a good way)?

[simone]

In full agreement about the snub. Not only is it unnecessary, but why fake it? Just move on.

[AT]

agree with @dannyfromfreddy.... no clue what Mike Brown is trying to do with the Lakers but what a waste of of talent... it took Spoelstra time to figure it out in Miami but when you have guys playing their natural positions in LA... it should not take that long with their combined caliber and experience...didn't catch most of the second half but what a snoozer in the first....

[Vincent Lam]

Hey Doug,

I love your blog and read it religiously.
Here are some suggestions on what I'd like you to add:
-more updates on Canadian NBA players, I see Andy Rautins got cut from the OKC roster, small things like that with some of your opinions/insights (ie. he's going to Europe, he never had a chance to stick...)
-more updates on ex-Raptors, Solomon Alabi and Gary Forbes were released from their clubs, stuff like that
-behind the scenes stories, I read somewhere that BC might need knee surgery. I'm a little ashamed that I find this type of stuff interesting, but I do.

Anyway, that's just my three cents. Keep up the great work.

[S.R.]

I think comparing Andrea to Dirk in rebounding is unfair. Dirk's always averaged near 10 rebounds a game... yet always gets labelled as a bad rebounder. Andrea averages about half that.

Blogger's note: Not sure what stats you're looking at but you couldn't be further than the truth on Dirk. Only once in 14 years has he averaged more than 7.5; you're making things up

[WallG]

Will Andrea play tonight? Heard he caught the flu and didn't scrimmage yesterday with the team.

Blogger's note: Tune in tonight to find out; and, yes, everyone who is around the team dutifully reported he missed yesterday's practice with flu-like symptoms

[Ian]

Does Dwayne regularly call Andrea "Dirk"?

Blogger's note: No; but he has drawn parallels

[David in Oakville]

Good Morning Doug,

For the post game wrap up (I can't promise to always be present for the IGBT) I would love to see you identify any play or plays by a single Rap or the team as a whole, that demonstrates they are getting it or improving or when appropriate, the play that suggests that a guy or these Raps, are not quite ready for the great leap forward.

WRT Bargnani and his rebounding, I think too often we see rebounding as a function of effort and fail to recognize that it is a skill as much as shooting. Some guys, big & small, have a knack for locating the ball off the board and some guys don't. I think it is hopeful that Dwane has identified a rebounding task for Bargs that he is justified in holding him to account for.

@VincentLam.. if you are the good dr. - keep up the great work yourself as well.

[sam]

I have to admit that I don't quite get Kevin Garnett. It's like he wants to be percieved as some sort of NBA Thug. I've seen him on talk shows, where he yucks it up with the host, but has an underlying cockiness to him that isn't attractive.
Ray Allen sure looked good....
Ricky Romero is a stand up guy who had a bad bad season.....I hope he bounces back next season....I'm sure he will.
Tough night for Nash and the Lakers.... Growing Pains?

There's a lot of folks that beat on Andrea for his shortcomings. His rebounding is a constant source of critisism, but I think Casey nailed it. . .

Excellent piece by Rosie on the Paywall discussion. Like some, I'm taking a wait and see position.

[Tim H.]

Hey Doug:

With regards to the Lakers and Steve Nash, here is an interesting article by Lee Jenkins, from SI:
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/writers/lee_jenkins/10/31/lakers-mavericks-opener-steve-nash/index.html?eref=sihp&sct=hp_t11_a0
From comments from people who saw (part of) the game, they seem to agree.
Did you see any of the game? If so, what did you think? I know it's only one game, but the Lakers are 0-9 this season. Something must be wrong?

Blogger's note: Don't think anything's too wrong; offence was below average and didn't work to the players' strengths but that's fixable. 0-9 is one thing, 0-9 with Howard missing the first five pre-season games and Kobe missing the last two is another

[Rory]

Hi Doug - not sure I agree on Romero. Seems the fans' and team's psyches have been damaged pretty badly by seeing their best pitcher become the league's worst in one year! Plus, it's not helping your team if you are literally much worse than someone who would be replacing you. Of course, everything does really depend on the severity of this injury, so if he does really believe it didn't affect him, and the training staff believe that as well, then perhaps you are right.

[Vincent Lam]

@David in Oakville

Sorry to let you down. I'm not the same doctor/author Vincent Lam. I have a copy of "Bloodletting and Miraculous Cures" sitting on my shelf unread. I probably waste too much time following the Raptors.

[Dave B]

Good blog today. I too hate the love-ins. Say hello before the game, go to dinner the evening before, but keep the hugging away from the fans. I thought the Allen/Rivers hug was very inappropriate last night. I am not so sure if the Garnett snub was as much a snub as it was a surprise because Garnett's head was down. I still liked it Althought I think Garnett acts like a wingnut most of the time.

I too dislike Halloween. I also dislike the commercial event we call Christmas. I think we have lost the celebration of Christmas for what it is. The stress and financial burden it creates takes the enjoyment out of it. The time with family and the celebration of the event is what is enjoyable and is what it should be about.

I guess "imitation is the sincerest form of flattery" as I see Wolstat from the Sun is also doing live chats with the fans now. Congratulation on being a pioneer.

Enjoy your game. You get to escape the whole Halloween thing.

[Ren]

@vincent lam
You should read it - very good stuff.

[Bill]

"I think comparing Andrea to Dirk in rebounding is unfair. Dirk's always averaged near 10 rebounds a game... yet always gets labelled as a bad rebounder. Andrea averages about half that.

Blogger's note: Not sure what stats you're looking at but you couldn't be further than the truth on Dirk. Only once in 14 years has he averaged more than 7.5; you're making things up"

According Yahoo Sports, Dirks rebounding average for his 14 years are: 3.4, 6.5, 9.2, 9.9, 9.9, 8.7, 9.7, 9.0, 8.9, 8.6, 8.4, 7.7, 7.0 and 6.8 with a grand average of 8.3. Don't think SR is completely making things up and your numbers may be incorrect. If we discount his first year where he only play 20 minutes per game and last year's out of shape season his average should go even more.

On the other hand AB's rebounding averages are: 3.9, 3.7, 5.3, 6.2, 5.2 and 5.5 with a grand average of 4.9. From these numbers I would agree with SR that comparing AB to Dirk is unfair.

This only shows the opposite of what Dwane is trying to say in that if you try hard enough, even an European player can average a decent amount of rebound over his career.

[jb]

"Blogger's note: Not sure what stats you're looking at but you couldn't be further than the truth on Dirk. Only once in 14 years has he averaged more than 7.5; you're making things up"

What stats are you looking at Doug? Dirk averaged more than 7.5 rebounds a game from 2000 to 2010. He is a career 8.3 per game rebounder. Some times you astound me dude.

http://espn.go.com/nba/player/stats/_/id/609/dirk-nowitzki

Blogger's note: Misread pre-season, my apologies; and, frankly, read enough here and live in a perpetual state of astounded

[ditch]

What? You're not a Halloween guy? I heard you were famous for going around Hazeltown dressed as Red Smith! Me? I'm grabbing a snare drum and going out as Paul Rimstead. Long story.

So happy to see the Raptor's season get under way and look forward to your blog no matter what the paywall might mean.

In keeping with the season: "Boo!"

Hope I didn't startle you.

[AT]

re: Bargnani's rebounding.. if you look at his career stats he is at about 5 RPG.
But when you break it down it is about 4 to 1 defensive vs offensive ... that has a lot to do with where he is on the court when shots go up...how can he be expected to have huge offensive rebounds when he is 22 ft away from the basket? His defensive rebounds are respectable ... if he spent most of his time under the basket like a traditional 5 his rebounds would go up but he doesn't play that way..

[Peter]

What do I want to see? GruntTV?

[stretchbigman]

Lol, don't expect Andrea to be a good rebounder because his coach doesn't huh?

Can we expect him to be serviceable? If his rebounding drops to 3 or 4 boards a game are we going to excuse it as "we've established he's not a good rebounder"?

We expect JV and the rest of the squad to do the dirty work while Andrea can stay and watch on the perimeter now. With Lowry, Fields and JV in the starting 5, why not nip the "Andrea only grabs 4 boards a game" argument in the bud right?

Amazing how some continue to compare Andrea Bargnani (0 all star games, career 44% shooter) to Dirk Nowitzki (11 time NBA all-star, 1 time MVP and 1 time league champion).

Just because the comparison is made, doesn't mean there is even a shred of truth to it.

[Bo Klymkiw]

Doug, I'm sorry to point it out, but facts are facts ... During the regular season, Dirk has averaged 8.3 rebs a game, while Andrea is at 4.9, according to basketball-reference.com .S.R. was exaggerating slightly, but his point had some validity. I'll be happy if we win the game, no matter how many rebs Andrea gets.

[HopeCaper]

I don't have any problem in comparing Bargs to Dirk. Dirk is better but he is nearing the end of his career. Bargs should be stepping it up this year as last year he showed that he consistently got it. Maybe he is not as good as Dirk but there are lots of similarities there for comparison.
As for paywalls I think that the Star or any other business will make all of the money the public allow them to make. With the reduced costs of not printing paper existing papers have not passed the savings on to customers. They still advertise as much so that revenue is still there. While I agree to pay something- I'm not a free loader- I won't pay the same price as I pay for hard copy. That won't stop businesses or papers charging as much but it will stop me from buying. The old saying " a fool and his money are soon parted" is true in this case.People will ultimately decide what businesses charge for online content by voting with their dollars.

[jb]

@AT

"Bargnani's rebounding.. if you look at his career stats he is at about 5 RPG.
But when you break it down it is about 4 to 1 defensive vs offensive ... that has a lot to do with where he is on the court when shots go up...how can he be expected to have huge offensive rebounds when he is 22 ft away from the basket? His defensive rebounds are respectable ... if he spent most of his time under the basket like a traditional 5 his rebounds would go up but he doesn't play that way.."

Umm, Kevin Love shoots far away from the basket just like Andrea does(in fact Kevin is a better 3-point shooter than Andrea), yet he averages for his career 12 rebounds/game(3.9 offensive rebounds per game). Andrea is taller and more athletic than K-Love...it's about wanting it. People just have to accept it, Andrea is a terrible rebounder, MAYBE the worst rebounding 7ft big man in the history of the game(who played starter's minutes).

I don't think the raptors will win with Andrea as their best player, he has too many deficiencies that need to be covered up. He's an scorer but he's not efficient at it. I think Andrea would make a great 6th man, instant offense coming off the bench.

[john]

Just want to say, If AB averages 25 points and develops a post game so he can’t be defended by small forwards he will be next to un-guardable and I could care less how many rebounds he gets as long as he plays passable defence...